New Michigan prep sports schedule alters participation slightly

EAST LANSING -- The changing of Michigan's high school sports seasons likely had some effect on participation this fall.

About 15.2 percent more girls participated in cross country this fall compared with last year while participation in boys Lower Peninsula tennis dropped about 11.4 percent, according to statistics released Friday by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

Overall participation in fall sports for boys and girls virtually was unchanged, up 0.89 percent from last year.

The fall sports season was the first in Michigan since a court-ordered lineup change took effect. The changes stem from a lawsuit seeking more equity for certain girls sports.

An additional 1,054 girls took part in cross country this fall, more than offsetting losses in girls volleyball and girls golf.

The MHSAA said all three sports whose seasons were changed to the fall had drops in participation. In addition to boys tennis, participation in girls volleyball was down 3.1 percent and girls Lower Peninsula golf was down almost 9 percent.